What Is a Union?

A union is simply a group of workers who organized together for representation and collective bargaining rights. A union is not, as employers and some others falsely suggest some “outside” organization that comes into your workplace to get between you and your employer.

The truth is, you and your co-workers are the union. You formed it.

Employers also like to say that unions are old-fashioned and are no longer needed in today’s modern workplace. If this is so, why do top executives at every major corporation also negotiate their own legal contracts – like union members – that detail their compensation, retirement, and severance packages.

Why should we be any different, or have fewer rights? Getting a union is the only way we can negotiate for and get improvements in our job and workplace.

Here are the facts: Once you and your co-workers successfully organize, your employer is required – by law – to bargain with you. Reaching a negotiated agreement can take weeks or months, but after you reach a settlement and vote to approve your first contract, your employer cannot change or takeaway what you negotiated. It’s a legal and binding document.